Sources: West Ham first choice wants the job as Sullivan gets busy
West Ham are ready to step up their interest in Eddie Howe as Manuel Pellegrini is one match from the sack, Football Insider can reveal.
The Hammers have been given positive feedback via third parties about the Bournemouth manager wanting to take over at the London Stadium.
A West Ham source has told Football Insider that Howe has been top of their wanted list for weeks following boardroom discussions about possible contenders to replace Pellegrini.
The Chilean is fighting to keep his job after West Ham sunk to their seventh defeat in nine league matches last night, a 3-1 defeat at home to manager-less Arsenal.
West Ham owner David Sullivan and the rest of the board are aware of growing dissatisfaction among supporters with Pellegrini and his fate may now depend on the outcome of Saturday's trip to Southampton.
That fixture is followed by a 12-day break between matches, which could offer the club an ideal window to secure a new manager.
The source explained that Sullivan, who will have the final say on the manager situation, is fielding endless calls from agents suggesting candidates for the post.
As revealed by Football Insider a fortnight ago, Howe is said to be "very keen" to take over the London Stadium and end his lengthy Bournemouth association.
The source explained that Howe's position is unchanged and he remains interested.
However, the West Ham hierarchy are mindful of the Cherries manager using their interest to negotiate a new and improved deal at his club.
Howe's current Bournemouth contract is due to expire next summer.